GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Fall is the season for football – both the American and international versions – and in late October and early November, soccer kicks things up at the Orange Beach Sportsplex. For the 11th time, cheer on elite collegiate players during the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5. Youth soccer teams are encouraged to participate in the Alabama Soccer Festival on Nov. 3 and Alabama Soccer Association’s (ASA) Target United Cup Nov. 4-5.

“For many years, the Alabama Soccer Festival has helped support the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship,” said Zac Crawford, technical director for the Alabama Soccer Association. “The ASF has played a crucial role in helping keep this event in Orange Beach, and it provides youth players a great opportunity to watch some of the country’s best teams compete on a championship stage. We at the Alabama Soccer Association are thrilled to continue the tradition of honoring the mission to support the SEC, while continuing to grow the sport of soccer within the state of Alabama and displaying good sportsmanship within a professional, positive, fun environment.”

The Alabama Soccer Festival will take place Friday night (Nov. 3) featuring player and coaching clinics and the opportunity to meet SEC players and coaches. The Target-sponsored United Cup hosted by the ASA will take place Nov. 4-5 in a festival format, meaning each team is guaranteed to play three games, emphasizing development rather than winning with no playoffs or championships. The deadline to register is Oct. 20. Visit ALSoccer.org/Events/Target_United_Cup for all the details.

Tickets for the SEC Championship will be available at the gate for $5 per game for adults and $2 per day for children (K-12). All games will be broadcast live on the SEC Network, including the championship match, which will air live on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Visit SECSports.go.com/Clubhouse/Soccer for more on SEC soccer and ALSoccer.com for more on the ASA. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GulfShores.com/Sports, or call 1-800-745-SAND.